we try to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we try to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort or intention to accomplish something. Example: "In our organization, we try to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among our team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We try to–.

Forbes

We try to heal.

The New York Times

We try to adjust.

The New York Times - Sports

We try to hold him.

The New Yorker

"We try to be responsible.

The New York Times - Arts

We try to find solutions".

The New York Times - Sports

We try to win here.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to place 'em.

The New Yorker

We try to find value.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to resolve it".

The New Yorker

We try to solve quarrels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we try to", follow it with a specific, actionable verb. This makes your intention clear and avoids ambiguity. For example: "We try to reduce waste" is more effective than "We try to do better".

Common error

Avoid using "we try to" excessively as it can make your writing sound weak or lacking confidence. Instead, consider stating your goals directly when possible. For example, instead of "We try to improve customer satisfaction", try "We are improving customer satisfaction" if you're actively implementing changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we try to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an attempt or intention to perform an action. It precedes a verb in its base form, creating an infinitive phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we try to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an intention or attempt to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in a variety of contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and academia. While versatile, overusing it can dilute the strength of your writing; consider more direct alternatives like "we aim to" or "we are committed to" when appropriate. When using it, ensure it is followed by a specific, actionable verb to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we aim to

Replaces "try" with "aim", suggesting a more focused and determined intention.

we seek to

Substitutes "try" with "seek", indicating a deliberate pursuit of a specific outcome.

we endeavor to

Uses "endeavor" instead of "try", conveying a more earnest and diligent effort.

we make an effort to

Emphasizes the exertion of effort, rather than just the attempt.

we strive to

Replaces "try" with "strive", suggesting a persistent and vigorous effort.

we are committed to

Indicates a strong dedication and resolve to achieve a particular goal.

it is our intention to

Shifts the focus to the stated intention, rather than the act of trying.

we have the goal of

Highlights the objective being pursued, rather than the attempt to achieve it.

our objective is to

Similar to "we have the goal of", but emphasizes the objective as a primary focus.

we are working towards

Focuses on the ongoing process and progress, rather than the final achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "we try to" in a sentence?

The phrase "we try to" is typically followed by a verb, expressing an attempt or intention. For instance, you might say, "We try to be as helpful as possible", or "We try to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours".

What are some alternatives to using "we try to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we aim to", "we seek to", or "we endeavor to" to express a similar meaning.

When is it better to use a more direct statement instead of "we try to"?

If you're confident in achieving a goal or have already made significant progress, use a more direct statement. For example, instead of "We try to meet all deadlines", you could say "We meet all deadlines".

Is it acceptable to use "we try and" instead of "we try to"?

While "we try and" is sometimes used colloquially, "we try to" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. The infinitive form "to" is usually preferred.